What is Clipboard

Clipboard is a short-term data storage utility which stores the copied data from anywhere on the computer and erases it on the next copy task or the system restart. The data in the clipboard will be overwritten upon the next copy task. For example, once you copied a text “Hello,” the clipboard contain that information and when you paste it anywhere like a text editor, the text “Hello” will be displayed. Once you copy any other text or an image, the clipboard will erase the previously stored information and overwrites it with the newly copied image or text. This is how the clipboard works.

Not only in computers, but the clipboard is implemented in almost of the modern day tech gadgets such as Smartphones, Tablets, Smartwatches, etc. In simple words, clipboard allows transferring data between programs or applications via the copy-paste method. It was introduced in the GUI systems. On the Command Line operating environment, the clipboard wasn’t a practical possibility. Now on almost of the GUI enabled devices, the clipboard is one of the most essential features to make it easier to operate with the device.

Data formats supported by Clipboard

While talking about the meaning of clipboard, it is essential to talk a bit about the data formats it supports. You might already know some of them. This is for those that still don’t know.

In early days before the real clipboard that we seeing in modern day devices being invented, the clipboard was used to copy the data such as typeface, type style or color. From there, now we are able to save multiple types of data and complex functions without any difficulties. This clearly states the technology advancement we achieved over the years.

Now, clipboard is used almost everywhere. Either to copy a spreadsheet to another document or to just transfer a music file from one device to another. Clipboard is everywhere. There is no limit what types of files and data we can copy using the clipboard functionality in Windows, Mac, Linux or any other operating systems. You could copy almost anything including Pictures, Videos, Text, Documents, Software, Music, and almost everything.

Clipboards on different Operating Systems

To completely understand what is clipboard, let’s now have a look at the usages of this function in different operating systems. Even if there are small differences from one to another, almost every OS utilizing the clipboards for the same purpose.

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Windows

In Windows, we utilize the clipboard for the simple copy-paste purposes. The usage is explained as below.

Ctrl+C: for copying data onto the clipboard

Ctrl+X: for cutting data to the clipboard

Ctrl+V: for pasting data from the clipboard to anywhere else

MacOS

In Mac, we use the clipboard for the same purpose but the shortcut keys varies a little.

⌘ Cmd-C: for copying data into the clipboard

⌘ Cmd-X: for cutting data to the clipboard

⌘ Cmd-V: for pasting data from the clipboard to anywhere else

Unix and Linux

In Linux and Unix operating systems, the usages is similar to the Windows and the shortcuts are also same. But In some advanced systems, the clipboard has some advanced facilities than a normal Windows PC.

Ctrl+C: for copying data to the clipboard

Ctrl+X: to cut data to clipboard

Ctrl+V: for pasting it from the clipboard

Clipboard Software

Even if the clipboard is a very small function with nothing special to impliment of notice, there are numerous software available for enhancing the abilities of the simple clipboar that comes with the operating systems. We listed some of them below to help you. Have a look.

Some of them may not be available and some links may be broken. It is an old list collected from Wikipedia. So, have a search to know more about them.

Clipboard Software for Windows

AceClipboard: A simple clipboard app which floats on top of your current work for easier access.

AtoZ Clipboard: A good software which allows copying up to 25 times before pasting.

Spartan Multi-Clipboard: Clipboard for Onedrive synchronization.

ClipSync: One of the best clipboard software for copying text between devices.

3D Clipboard: A good clipboard manager software for Windows OS that keeps track of the items you copied to the clipboard.

ArsClip: Freeware clipboard manager utility that supports any version of Windows from Windows XP.

Clipboard History: A versatile tool with numerous functions for easily organizing the data in your clipboard.

Clipboard Magic: A nice clipboard software for cutting and pasting repetitive text or for web form entry.